1
|
Lopez-Gonzalez M, Ariceta G. WT1-related disorders: more than Denys-Drash syndrome. Pediatr Nephrol 2024; 39:2601-2609. [PMID: 38326647 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-024-06302-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Historically, specific mutations in WT1 gene have been associated with distinct syndromes based on phenotypic characteristics, including Denys-Drash syndrome (DDS), Frasier syndrome (FS), Meacham syndrome, and WAGR syndrome. DDS is classically defined by the triad of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) onset in the first year of life, disorders of sex development (DSD), and a predisposition to Wilms tumor (WT). Currently, a paradigm shift acknowledges a diverse spectrum of presentations beyond traditional syndromic definitions. Consequently, the concept of WT1-related disorders becomes more precise. A genotype-phenotype correlation has been established, emphasizing that the location and type of WT1 mutations significantly influence the clinical presentation, the condition severity, and the chronology of patient manifestations. Individuals presenting with persistent proteinuria, with or without nephrotic syndrome, and varying degrees of kidney dysfunction accompanied by genital malformations should prompt suspicion of WT1 mutations. Recent genetic advances enable a more accurate estimation of malignancy risk in these patients, facilitating a conservative nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) approach in select cases, with a focus on preserving residual kidney function and delaying nephrectomies. Other key management strategies include kidney transplantation and addressing DSD and gonadoblastoma. In summary, recent genetic insights underscore the imperative to implement individualized, integrated, and multidisciplinary management strategies for WT1-related disorders. This approach is pivotal in optimizing patient outcomes and addressing the complexities associated with these diverse clinical manifestations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gema Ariceta
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- University Autonomous of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nagano C, Nozu K. A review of the genetic background in complicated WT1-related disorders. Clin Exp Nephrol 2024:10.1007/s10157-024-02539-x. [PMID: 39002031 DOI: 10.1007/s10157-024-02539-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
The Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) gene was first identified in 1990 as a strong candidate for conferring a predisposition to Wilms tumor. The WT1 protein has four zinc finger structures (DNA binding domain) at the C-terminus, which bind to transcriptional regulatory sequences on DNA, and acts as a transcription factor. WT1 is expressed during kidney development and regulates differentiation, and is also expressed in glomerular epithelial cells after birth to maintain the structure of podocytes. WT1-related disorders are a group of conditions associated with an aberrant or absent copy of the WT1 gene. This group of conditions encompasses a wide phenotypic spectrum that includes Denys-Drash syndrome (DDS), Frasier syndrome (FS), Wilms-aniridia-genitourinary-mental retardation syndrome, and isolated manifestations of nephropathy or Wilms tumor. The genotype-phenotype correlation is becoming clearer: patients with missense variants in DNA binding sites including C2H2 sites manifest DDS and develop early-onset and rapidly developing end-stage kidney disease. A deeper understanding of the genotype-phenotype correlation has also been obtained in DDS, but no such correlation has been observed in FS. The incidence of Wilms tumor is higher in patients with DDS and exon-truncating variants than in those with non-truncating variants. Here, we briefly describe the genetic background of this highly complicated WT1-related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- China Nagano
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan.
| | - Kandai Nozu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-2 Kusunoki-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bonilla M, Efe O, Selvaskandan H, Lerma EV, Wiegley N. A Review of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis Classification With a Focus on Genetic Associations. Kidney Med 2024; 6:100826. [PMID: 38765809 PMCID: PMC11099322 DOI: 10.1016/j.xkme.2024.100826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) defines a distinct histologic pattern observed in kidney tissue that is linked to several distinct underlying causes, all converging on the common factor of podocyte injury. It presents a considerable challenge in terms of classification because of its varied underlying causes and the limited correlation between histopathology and clinical outcomes. Critically, precise nomenclature is key to describe and delineate the pathogenesis, subsequently guiding the selection of suitable and precision therapies. A proposed pathomechanism-based approach has been suggested for FSGS classification. This approach differentiates among primary, secondary, genetic, and undetermined causes, aiming to provide clarity. Genetic FSGS from monogenic mutations can emerge during childhood or adulthood, and it is advisable to conduct genetic testing in cases in which there is a family history of chronic kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome, or resistance to treatment. Genome-wide association studies have identified several genetic risk variants, such as those in apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1), that play a role in the development of FSGS. Currently, no specific treatments have been approved to treat genetic FSGS; however, interventions targeting underlying cofactor deficiencies have shown potential in some cases. Furthermore, encouraging results have emerged from a phase 2 trial investigating inaxaplin, a novel small molecule APOL1 channel inhibitor, in APOL1-associated FSGS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bonilla
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Orhan Efe
- Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Haresh Selvaskandan
- IgA Mayer Nephropathy Laboratories, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- John Walls Renal Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Edgar V. Lerma
- Section of Nephrology, University of Illinois at Chicago/Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn, IL
| | - Nasim Wiegley
- University of California Davis School of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Sacramento, CA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wei A, Border R, Fu B, Cullina S, Brandes N, Jang SK, Sankararaman S, Kenny E, Udler MS, Ntranos V, Zaitlen N, Arboleda V. Investigating the sources of variable impact of pathogenic variants in monogenic metabolic conditions. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2023.09.14.23295564. [PMID: 37745486 PMCID: PMC10516069 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.14.23295564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Over three percent of people carry a dominant pathogenic variant, yet only a fraction of carriers develop disease. Disease phenotypes from carriers of variants in the same gene range from mild to severe. Here, we investigate underlying mechanisms for this heterogeneity: variable variant effect sizes, carrier polygenic backgrounds, and modulation of carrier effect by genetic background (marginal epistasis). We leveraged exomes and clinical phenotypes from the UK Biobank and the Mt. Sinai BioMe Biobank to identify carriers of pathogenic variants affecting cardiometabolic traits. We employed recently developed methods to study these cohorts, observing strong statistical support and clinical translational potential for all three mechanisms of variable carrier penetrance and disease severity. For example, scores from our recent model of variant pathogenicity were tightly correlated with phenotype amongst clinical variant carriers, they predicted effects of variants of unknown significance, and they distinguished gain- from loss-of-function variants. We also found that polygenic scores predicted phenotypes amongst pathogenic carriers and that epistatic effects can exceed main carrier effects by an order of magnitude.
Collapse
|
5
|
Perotti D, Williams RD, Wegert J, Brzezinski J, Maschietto M, Ciceri S, Gisselsson D, Gadd S, Walz AL, Furtwaengler R, Drost J, Al-Saadi R, Evageliou N, Gooskens SL, Hong AL, Murphy AJ, Ortiz MV, O'Sullivan MJ, Mullen EA, van den Heuvel-Eibrink MM, Fernandez CV, Graf N, Grundy PE, Geller JI, Dome JS, Perlman EJ, Gessler M, Huff V, Pritchard-Jones K. Hallmark discoveries in the biology of Wilms tumour. Nat Rev Urol 2024; 21:158-180. [PMID: 37848532 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00824-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
The modern study of Wilms tumour was prompted nearly 50 years ago, when Alfred Knudson proposed the 'two-hit' model of tumour development. Since then, the efforts of researchers worldwide have substantially expanded our knowledge of Wilms tumour biology, including major advances in genetics - from cloning the first Wilms tumour gene to high-throughput studies that have revealed the genetic landscape of this tumour. These discoveries improve understanding of the embryonal origin of Wilms tumour, familial occurrences and associated syndromic conditions. Many efforts have been made to find and clinically apply prognostic biomarkers to Wilms tumour, for which outcomes are generally favourable, but treatment of some affected individuals remains challenging. Challenges are also posed by the intratumoural heterogeneity of biomarkers. Furthermore, preclinical models of Wilms tumour, from cell lines to organoid cultures, have evolved. Despite these many achievements, much still remains to be discovered: further molecular understanding of relapse in Wilms tumour and of the multiple origins of bilateral Wilms tumour are two examples of areas under active investigation. International collaboration, especially when large tumour series are required to obtain robust data, will help to answer some of the remaining unresolved questions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Perotti
- Predictive Medicine: Molecular Bases of Genetic Risk, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.
| | - Richard D Williams
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Section of Genetics and Genomics, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jenny Wegert
- Theodor-Boveri-Institute/Biocenter, Developmental Biochemistry, Wuerzburg University, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Jack Brzezinski
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mariana Maschietto
- Research Center, Boldrini Children's Hospital, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sara Ciceri
- Predictive Medicine: Molecular Bases of Genetic Risk, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - David Gisselsson
- Cancer Cell Evolution Unit, Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Clinical Genetics, Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Office of Medical Services, Skåne, Sweden
| | - Samantha Gadd
- Department of Pathology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Amy L Walz
- Division of Hematology,Oncology, Neuro-Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplant, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rhoikos Furtwaengler
- Division of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital Bern University, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jarno Drost
- Princess Máxima Center for Paediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Reem Al-Saadi
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Nicholas Evageliou
- Divisions of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, CHOP Specialty Care Center, Vorhees, NJ, USA
| | - Saskia L Gooskens
- Princess Máxima Center for Paediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Andrew L Hong
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Emory University and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Andrew J Murphy
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Michael V Ortiz
- Department of Paediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maureen J O'Sullivan
- Histology Laboratory, Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elizabeth A Mullen
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Conrad V Fernandez
- Division of Paediatric Hematology Oncology, IWK Health Centre and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Norbert Graf
- Department of Paediatric Oncology and Hematology, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Germany
| | - Paul E Grundy
- Department of Paediatrics Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - James I Geller
- Division of Oncology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Dome
- Division of Oncology, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's National Hospital and the Department of Paediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Perlman
- Department of Pathology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Manfred Gessler
- Theodor-Boveri-Institute/Biocenter, Developmental Biochemistry, Wuerzburg University, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Vicki Huff
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kathy Pritchard-Jones
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Smith C, Kitzman JO. Benchmarking splice variant prediction algorithms using massively parallel splicing assays. Genome Biol 2023; 24:294. [PMID: 38129864 PMCID: PMC10734170 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-03144-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Variants that disrupt mRNA splicing account for a sizable fraction of the pathogenic burden in many genetic disorders, but identifying splice-disruptive variants (SDVs) beyond the essential splice site dinucleotides remains difficult. Computational predictors are often discordant, compounding the challenge of variant interpretation. Because they are primarily validated using clinical variant sets heavily biased to known canonical splice site mutations, it remains unclear how well their performance generalizes. RESULTS We benchmark eight widely used splicing effect prediction algorithms, leveraging massively parallel splicing assays (MPSAs) as a source of experimentally determined ground-truth. MPSAs simultaneously assay many variants to nominate candidate SDVs. We compare experimentally measured splicing outcomes with bioinformatic predictions for 3,616 variants in five genes. Algorithms' concordance with MPSA measurements, and with each other, is lower for exonic than intronic variants, underscoring the difficulty of identifying missense or synonymous SDVs. Deep learning-based predictors trained on gene model annotations achieve the best overall performance at distinguishing disruptive and neutral variants, and controlling for overall call rate genome-wide, SpliceAI and Pangolin have superior sensitivity. Finally, our results highlight two practical considerations when scoring variants genome-wide: finding an optimal score cutoff, and the substantial variability introduced by differences in gene model annotation, and we suggest strategies for optimal splice effect prediction in the face of these issues. CONCLUSION SpliceAI and Pangolin show the best overall performance among predictors tested, however, improvements in splice effect prediction are still needed especially within exons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Smith
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jacob O Kitzman
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wu J, Yan H, Xiang C. Wilms' tumor gene 1 in hematological malignancies: friend or foe? Hematology 2023; 28:2254557. [PMID: 37668240 DOI: 10.1080/16078454.2023.2254557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Wilms' tumor gene 1 (WT1) is a transcription and post-translational factor that has a crucial role in the biological and pathological processes of several human malignancies. For hematological malignancies, WT1 overexpression or mutation has been found in leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. About 70-90% of acute myeloid leukemia patients showed WT1 overexpression, and 6-15% of patients carried WT1 mutations. WT1 has been widely regarded as a marker for monitoring minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia. Many researchers were interested in developing WT1 targeting therapy. In this review, we summarized biological and pathological functions, correlation with other genes and clinical features, prognosis value and targeting therapy of WT1 in hematological features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Fifth People's Hospital of Huai'an and Huai'an Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Huai'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Yan
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunli Xiang
- Department of General Medicine, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University and Huai'an Second People's Hospital, Huai'an, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gregoire EP, De Cian MC, Migale R, Perea-Gomez A, Schaub S, Bellido-Carreras N, Stévant I, Mayère C, Neirijnck Y, Loubat A, Rivaud P, Sopena ML, Lachambre S, Linssen MM, Hohenstein P, Lovell-Badge R, Nef S, Chalmel F, Schedl A, Chaboissier MC. The -KTS splice variant of WT1 is essential for ovarian determination in mice. Science 2023; 382:600-606. [PMID: 37917714 PMCID: PMC7615308 DOI: 10.1126/science.add8831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Sex determination in mammals depends on the differentiation of the supporting lineage of the gonads into Sertoli or pregranulosa cells that govern testis and ovary development, respectively. Although the Y-linked testis-determining gene Sry has been identified, the ovarian-determining factor remains unknown. In this study, we identified -KTS, a major, alternatively spliced isoform of the Wilms tumor suppressor WT1, as a key determinant of female sex determination. Loss of -KTS variants blocked gonadal differentiation in mice, whereas increased expression, as found in Frasier syndrome, induced precocious differentiation of ovaries independently of their genetic sex. In XY embryos, this antagonized Sry expression, resulting in male-to-female sex reversal. Our results identify -KTS as an ovarian-determining factor and demonstrate that its time of activation is critical in gonadal sex differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elodie P Gregoire
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06108 Nice, France
| | - Marie-Cécile De Cian
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06108 Nice, France
| | - Roberta Migale
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Aitana Perea-Gomez
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06108 Nice, France
| | - Sébastien Schaub
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Development Biology Laboratory (LBDV), 06234 Villefranche sur Mer, France
| | | | - Isabelle Stévant
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva Switzerland
| | - Chloé Mayère
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva Switzerland
| | - Yasmine Neirijnck
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06108 Nice, France
| | - Agnès Loubat
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06108 Nice, France
| | - Paul Rivaud
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)-UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
| | | | - Simon Lachambre
- Infinity, Inserm, CNRS, University Toulouse III, 31024 Toulouse, France
| | - Margot M. Linssen
- Central Animal and Transgenic Facility and Dept. Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Hohenstein
- Central Animal and Transgenic Facility and Dept. Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- iGE3, Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva Switzerland
| | - Frédéric Chalmel
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)-UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Andreas Schedl
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), 06108 Nice, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Smith C, Burugula BB, Dunn I, Aradhya S, Kitzman JO, Yee JL. High-Throughput Splicing Assays Identify Known and Novel WT1 Exon 9 Variants in Nephrotic Syndrome. Kidney Int Rep 2023; 8:2117-2125. [PMID: 37850022 PMCID: PMC10577367 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2023.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Frasier syndrome (FS) is a rare Mendelian form of nephrotic syndrome (NS) caused by variants which disrupt the proper splicing of WT1. This key transcription factor gene is alternatively spliced at exon 9 to produce 2 isoforms ("KTS+" and "KTS-"), which are normally expressed in the kidney at a ∼2:1 (KTS+:KTS-) ratio. FS results from variants that reduce this ratio by disrupting the splice donor of the KTS+ isoform. FS is extremely rare, and it is unclear whether any variants beyond the 8 already known could cause FS. Methods To prospectively identify other splicing-disruptive variants, we leveraged a massively parallel splicing assay. We tested every possible single nucleotide variant (n = 519) in and around WT1 exon 9 for effects upon exon inclusion and KTS+/- ratio. Results Splice disruptive variants (SDVs) made up 11% of the tested point variants overall and were tightly concentrated near the canonical acceptor and the KTS+/- alternate donors. Our map successfully identified all 8 known FS or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) variants and 16 additional novel variants which were comparably disruptive to these known pathogenic variants. We also identified 19 variants that, conversely, increased the KTS+/KTS- ratio, of which 2 are observed in unrelated individuals with 46,XX ovotesticular disorder of sex development (46,XX OTDSD). Conclusion This splicing effect map can serve as functional evidence to guide the clinical interpretation of newly observed variants in and around WT1 exon 9.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Smith
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Bala Bharathi Burugula
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ian Dunn
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Jacob O. Kitzman
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jennifer Lai Yee
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Smith C, Kitzman JO. Benchmarking splice variant prediction algorithms using massively parallel splicing assays. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.04.539398. [PMID: 37205456 PMCID: PMC10187268 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.04.539398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Variants that disrupt mRNA splicing account for a sizable fraction of the pathogenic burden in many genetic disorders, but identifying splice-disruptive variants (SDVs) beyond the essential splice site dinucleotides remains difficult. Computational predictors are often discordant, compounding the challenge of variant interpretation. Because they are primarily validated using clinical variant sets heavily biased to known canonical splice site mutations, it remains unclear how well their performance generalizes. Results We benchmarked eight widely used splicing effect prediction algorithms, leveraging massively parallel splicing assays (MPSAs) as a source of experimentally determined ground-truth. MPSAs simultaneously assay many variants to nominate candidate SDVs. We compared experimentally measured splicing outcomes with bioinformatic predictions for 3,616 variants in five genes. Algorithms' concordance with MPSA measurements, and with each other, was lower for exonic than intronic variants, underscoring the difficulty of identifying missense or synonymous SDVs. Deep learning-based predictors trained on gene model annotations achieved the best overall performance at distinguishing disruptive and neutral variants. Controlling for overall call rate genome-wide, SpliceAI and Pangolin also showed superior overall sensitivity for identifying SDVs. Finally, our results highlight two practical considerations when scoring variants genome-wide: finding an optimal score cutoff, and the substantial variability introduced by differences in gene model annotation, and we suggest strategies for optimal splice effect prediction in the face of these issues. Conclusion SpliceAI and Pangolin showed the best overall performance among predictors tested, however, improvements in splice effect prediction are still needed especially within exons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Smith
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jacob O. Kitzman
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Frasier syndrome: A case report. CLINICA E INVESTIGACION EN GINECOLOGIA Y OBSTETRICIA 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gine.2022.100827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
|
12
|
Kollios K, Karipiadou A, Papagianni M, Traeger-Synodinos J, Kosta K, Savvidou P, Stabouli S, Roilides E. Bilateral Gonadoblastoma in a 6-Year-old Girl With Frasier Syndrome: Need for Early Preventive Gonadectomy. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2022; 44:471-473. [PMID: 35700406 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000002501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Frasier syndrome (FS) is a rare condition, caused by splice-site mutations of intron 9 in the Wilms' tumor suppressor gene 1 (WT1 gene). The WT1 protein is essential for urogenital development and patients with 46XY karyotype present with female (FS type 1) or male phenotype, gonadal dysgenesis, progressive glomerulopathy, and high risk of gonadoblastoma. We describe a female patient with an IVS9+4C>T donor splice-site mutation, who underwent a preventive gonadectomy at the age of 6 years due to imaging findings of dysplastic gonads. The biopsy revealed bilateral gonadoblastoma, emphasizing the need for early gonadectomy in 46XY FS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Joanne Traeger-Synodinos
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Agia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Stella Stabouli
- First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University, Hippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Welter N, Brzezinski J, Treece A, Chintagumpala M, Young MD, Perotti D, Kieran K, Jongmans MCJ, Murphy AJ. The pathophysiology of bilateral and multifocal Wilms tumors: What we can learn from the study of predisposition syndromes. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 70 Suppl 2:e29984. [PMID: 36094328 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 5% of patients with Wilms tumor present with synchronous bilateral disease. The development of synchronous bilateral Wilms tumor (BWT) is highly suggestive of a genetic or epigenetic predisposition. Patients with known germline predisposition to Wilms tumor (WT1 variants, Beckwith Wiedemann spectrum, TRIM28 variants) have a higher incidence of BWT. This Children's Oncology Group (COG)-International Society for Pediatric Oncology (SIOP-) HARMONICA initiative review for pediatric renal tumors details germline genetic and epigenetic predisposition to BWT development, with an emphasis on alterations in 11p15.5 (ICR1 gain of methylation, paternal uniparental disomy, and postzygotic somatic mosaicism), WT1, TRIM28, and REST. Molecular mechanisms that result in BWT are often also present in multifocal Wilms tumor (multiple separate tumors in one or both kidneys). We identify priority areas for international collaborative research to better understand how predisposing genetic or epigenetic factors associate with response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, oncologic outcomes, and long-term renal function outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nils Welter
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Jack Brzezinski
- Department of Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amy Treece
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | | | - Daniela Perotti
- Molecular Bases of Genetic Risk and Genetic Testing Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Kathleen Kieran
- Division of Urology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Marjolijn C J Jongmans
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Andrew J Murphy
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Xie Y, Wu C, Li Z, Wu Z, Hong L. Early Gonadal Development and Sex Determination in Mammal. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147500. [PMID: 35886859 PMCID: PMC9323860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex determination is crucial for the transmission of genetic information through generations. In mammal, this process is primarily regulated by an antagonistic network of sex-related genes beginning in embryonic development and continuing throughout life. Nonetheless, abnormal expression of these sex-related genes will lead to reproductive organ and germline abnormalities, resulting in disorders of sex development (DSD) and infertility. On the other hand, it is possible to predetermine the sex of animal offspring by artificially regulating sex-related gene expression, a recent research hotspot. In this paper, we reviewed recent research that has improved our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of the gonad and primordial germ cells (PGCs), progenitors of the germline, to provide new directions for the treatment of DSD and infertility, both of which involve manipulating the sex ratio of livestock offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanshe Xie
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Changhua Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Zicong Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
- Correspondence: (Z.W.); (L.H.)
| | - Linjun Hong
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China; (Y.X.); (C.W.); (Z.L.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510630, China
- Correspondence: (Z.W.); (L.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ahmed SF, Alimusina M, Batista RL, Domenice S, Lisboa Gomes N, McGowan R, Patjamontri S, Mendonca BB. The Use of Genetics for Reaching a Diagnosis in XY DSD. Sex Dev 2022; 16:207-224. [DOI: 10.1159/000524881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Reaching a firm diagnosis is vital for the long-term management of a patient with a difference or disorder of sex development (DSD). This is especially the case in XY DSD where the diagnostic yield is particularly low. Molecular genetic technology is playing an increasingly important role in the diagnostic process, and it is highly likely that it will be used more often at an earlier stage in the diagnostic process. In many cases of DSD, the clinical utility of molecular genetics is unequivocally clear, but in many other cases there is a need for careful exploration of the benefit of genetic diagnosis through long-term monitoring of these cases. Furthermore, the incorporation of molecular genetics into the diagnostic process requires a careful appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of the evolving technology, and the interpretation of the results requires a clear understanding of the wide range of conditions that are associated with DSD.
Collapse
|
16
|
Venkataramany AS, Schieffer KM, Lee K, Cottrell CE, Wang PY, Mardis ER, Cripe TP, Chandler DS. Alternative RNA Splicing Defects in Pediatric Cancers: New Insights in Tumorigenesis and Potential Therapeutic Vulnerabilities. Ann Oncol 2022; 33:578-592. [PMID: 35339647 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compared to adult cancers, pediatric cancers are uniquely characterized by a genomically stable landscape and lower tumor mutational burden. However, alternative splicing, a global cellular process that produces different mRNA/protein isoforms from a single mRNA transcript, has been increasingly implicated in the development of pediatric cancers. DESIGN We review the current literature on the role of alternative splicing in adult cancer, cancer predisposition syndromes, and pediatric cancers. We also describe multiple splice variants identified in adult cancers and confirmed through comprehensive genomic profiling in our institutional cohort of rare, refractory and relapsed pediatric and adolescent young adult cancer patients. Finally, we summarize the contributions of alternative splicing events to neoantigens and chemoresistance and prospects for splicing-based therapies. RESULTS Published dysregulated splicing events can be categorized as exon inclusion, exon exclusion, splicing factor upregulation, or splice site alterations. We observe these phenomena in cancer predisposition syndromes (Lynch syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, CHEK2) and pediatric leukemia (B-ALL), sarcomas (Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, osteosarcoma), retinoblastoma, Wilms tumor, and neuroblastoma. Within our institutional cohort, we demonstrate splice variants in key regulatory genes (CHEK2, TP53, PIK3R1, MDM2, KDM6A, NF1) that resulted in exon exclusion or splice site alterations, which were predicted to impact functional protein expression and promote tumorigenesis. Differentially spliced isoforms and splicing proteins also impact neoantigen creation and treatment resistance, such as imatinib or glucocorticoid regimens. Additionally, splice-altering strategies with the potential to change the therapeutic landscape of pediatric cancers include antisense oligonucleotides, adeno-associated virus gene transfers, and small molecule inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS Alternative splicing plays a critical role in the formation and growth of pediatric cancers, and our institutional cohort confirms and highlights the broad spectrum of affected genes in a variety of cancers. Further studies that elucidate the mechanisms of disease-inducing splicing events will contribute toward the development of novel therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A S Venkataramany
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - K M Schieffer
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - K Lee
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - C E Cottrell
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - P Y Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - E R Mardis
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - T P Cripe
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplant, Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - D S Chandler
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States; Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program and The Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Steinman B, Kilduff S, Del Rio M, Hayde N. Amenorrhea in a pediatric kidney transplant recipient: Answers. Pediatr Nephrol 2022; 37:565-567. [PMID: 34731311 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-021-05320-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Steinman
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Stella Kilduff
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Marcela Del Rio
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Nicole Hayde
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Anderson E, Aldridge M, Turner R, Harraway J, McManus S, Stewart A, Borzi P, Trnka P, Burke J, Coman D. WT1 complete gonadal dysgenesis with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis: case series and literature review. Pediatr Nephrol 2022; 37:2369-2374. [PMID: 35211794 PMCID: PMC9395477 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-022-05421-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intronic WT1 mutations are usually causative of Frasier syndrome with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis as the characteristic nephropathy. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis is not commonly associated with disorders of sex development but has been recently identified as a WT1-associated nephropathy, but usually in cases of exonic mutations in either isolated Wilms tumor or Denys-Drash syndrome. METHODS The clinical and genetic data from 3 individuals are reported. RESULTS This report describes the kidney manifestations in 3 individuals from 2 unrelated families with Frasier syndrome intronic WT1 mutations, noting that 2 of the 3 individuals have histologically confirmed membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. CONCLUSIONS These case reports support expansion of the clinical spectrum of the kidney phenotypes associated with Frasier syndrome providing evidence of an association between WT1 mutation and an immune complex-related membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin Anderson
- Queensland Fertility Group, Virtus Genetics, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Melanie Aldridge
- Department of Nephrology, The Queensland Children’s Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ross Turner
- Monash IVF, The Wesley Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - James Harraway
- Mater Pathology, The Mater Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sam McManus
- Mater Pathology, The Mater Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Anna Stewart
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Peter Borzi
- Department of Paediatric Surgery and Urology, The Queensland Children’s Hospital, Brisbane, Australia ,Department of Paediatrics, The Wesley Hospital, Brisbane, Australia ,The School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Peter Trnka
- Department of Nephrology, The Queensland Children’s Hospital, Brisbane, Australia ,The School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - John Burke
- Department of Nephrology, The Queensland Children’s Hospital, Brisbane, Australia ,The School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - David Coman
- Queensland Fertility Group, Virtus Genetics, Brisbane, Australia. .,Department of Paediatrics, The Wesley Hospital, Brisbane, Australia. .,The School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. .,Department of Metabolic Medicine, The Queensland Children's Hospital, 501 Stanley Street, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia. .,The School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Fang F, Iaquinta PJ, Xia N, Liu L, Diao L, Reijo Pera RA. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:313-345. [PMID: 35297982 PMCID: PMC9071081 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathways of gametogenesis encompass elaborate cellular specialization accompanied by precise partitioning of the genome content in order to produce fully matured spermatozoa and oocytes. Transcription factors are an important class of molecules that function in gametogenesis to regulate intrinsic gene expression programs, play essential roles in specifying (or determining) germ cell fate and assist in guiding full maturation of germ cells and maintenance of their populations. Moreover, in order to reinforce or redirect cell fate in vitro, it is transcription factors that are most frequently induced, over-expressed or activated. Many reviews have focused on the molecular development and genetics of gametogenesis, in vivo and in vitro, in model organisms and in humans, including several recent comprehensive reviews: here, we focus specifically on the role of transcription factors. Recent advances in stem cell biology and multi-omic studies have enabled deeper investigation into the unique transcriptional mechanisms of human reproductive development. Moreover, as methods continually improve, in vitro differentiation of germ cells can provide the platform for robust gain- and loss-of-function genetic analyses. These analyses are delineating unique and shared human germ cell transcriptional network components that, together with somatic lineage specifiers and pluripotency transcription factors, function in transitions from pluripotent stem cells to gametes. This grand theme review offers additional insight into human infertility and reproductive disorders that are linked predominantly to defects in the transcription factor networks and thus may potentially contribute to the development of novel treatments for infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Phillip J Iaquinta
- Division of Research, Economic Development, and Graduate Education, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
| | - Ninuo Xia
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lei Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lei Diao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Renee A Reijo Pera
- Division of Research, Economic Development, and Graduate Education, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
- McLaughlin Research Institute, Great Falls, MT, USA
- Correspondence address. McLaughlin Research Institute, 1520 23rd Street South, Great Falls, MT 59405, USA. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6487-1329
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wang Y, Chen Q, Zhang F, Yang X, Shang L, Ren S, Pan Y, Zhou Z, Li G, Fang Y, Jin L, Wu Y, Zhang X. Whole exome sequencing identified a rare WT1 loss-of-function variant in a non-syndromic POI patient. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2022; 10:e1820. [PMID: 34845858 PMCID: PMC8801142 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a highly heterogeneous disease, and up to 25% of cases can be explained by genetic causes. The transcription factor WT1 has long been reported to play a crucial role in ovary function. Wt1-mutated female mice exhibited POI-like phenotypes. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, whole exome sequencing (WES) was applied to find the cause of POI in Han Chinese women. A nonsense variant in the WT1 gene: NM_024426.6:c.1387C>T(p.R463*) was identified in a non-syndromic POI woman. The variant is a heterozygous de novo mutation that is very rare in the human population. The son of the patient inherited the mutation and developed Wilms' tumor and urethral malformation at the age of 7. According to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology (ACMG/AMP) guidelines, the novel variant is categorized as pathogenic. Western blot analysis further demonstrated that the WT1 variant could produce a truncated WT1 isoform in vitro. CONCLUSIONS A rare heterozygous nonsense WT1 mutant is associated with non-syndromic POI and Wilms' tumor. Our finding characterized another pathogenic WT1 variant, providing insight into genetic counseling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingchen Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Qing Chen
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative BiologyFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative BiologyFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related DiseasesShanghaiChina
| | - Xi Yang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative BiologyFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Lingyue Shang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Shuting Ren
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yuncheng Pan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Zixue Zhou
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative BiologyFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Guoqing Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yunzheng Fang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative BiologyFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Li Jin
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yanhua Wu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related DiseasesShanghaiChina
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biology EducationSchool of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xiaojin Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology HospitalNHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research)School of Life SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related DiseasesShanghaiChina
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
A Novel WT1 Mutation Identified in a 46,XX Testicular/Ovotesticular DSD Patient Results in the Retention of Intron 9. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10121248. [PMID: 34943163 PMCID: PMC8698877 DOI: 10.3390/biology10121248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Disorders/differences of sexual development are very diverse. Among them is a condition characterized by the presence of testicular tissue in people with female chromosomes, which is typically manifested by male or ambiguous genitalia. While genetic counseling is beneficial for these people and their families, the genetic causes of these cases are only partially understood. We describe a new mutation in the WT1 gene that results in the presence of testicular tissue in a child with a female karyotype. We propose molecular mechanisms disrupted by this mutation. This finding widened our understanding of processes that govern sexual development and can be used to develop diagnostic tests for disorders/differences of sexual development. Abstract The 46,XX testicular DSD (disorder/difference of sexual development) and 46,XX ovotesticular DSD (46,XX TDSD and 46,XX OTDSD) phenotypes are caused by genetic rearrangements or point mutations resulting in imbalance between components of the two antagonistic, pro-testicular and pro-ovarian pathways; however, the genetic causes of 46,XX TDSD/OTDSD are not fully understood, and molecular diagnosis for many patients with the conditions is unavailable. Only recently few mutations in the WT1 (WT1 transcription factor; 11p13) gene were described in a group of 46,XX TDSD and 46,XX OTDSD individuals. The WT1 protein contains a DNA/RNA binding domain consisting of four zinc fingers (ZnF) and a three-amino acid (KTS) motif that is present or absent, as a result of alternative splicing, between ZnF3 and ZnF4 (±KTS isoforms). Here, we present a patient with 46,XX TDSD/OTDSD in whom whole exome sequencing revealed a heterozygous de novo WT1 c.1437A>G mutation within an alternative donor splice site which is used for −KTS WT1 isoform formation. So far, no mutation in this splice site has been identified in any patient group. We demonstrated that the mutation results in the retention of intron 9 in the mature mRNA of the 46,XX TDSD/OTDSD patient. In cases when the erroneous mRNA is translated, exclusively the expression of a truncated WT1 +KTS protein lacking ZnF4 and no −KTS protein occurs from the mutated allele of the patient. We discuss potential mechanisms and pathways which can be disturbed upon two conditions: Absence of Zn4F and altered +KTS/−KTS ratio.
Collapse
|
22
|
Spreafico F, Fernandez CV, Brok J, Nakata K, Vujanic G, Geller JI, Gessler M, Maschietto M, Behjati S, Polanco A, Paintsil V, Luna-Fineman S, Pritchard-Jones K. Wilms tumour. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2021; 7:75. [PMID: 34650095 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-021-00308-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Wilms tumour (WT) is a childhood embryonal tumour that is paradigmatic of the intersection between disrupted organogenesis and tumorigenesis. Many WT genes play a critical (non-redundant) role in early nephrogenesis. Improving patient outcomes requires advances in understanding and targeting of the multiple genes and cellular control pathways now identified as active in WT development. Decades of clinical and basic research have helped to gradually optimize clinical care. Curative therapy is achievable in 90% of affected children, even those with disseminated disease, yet survival disparities within and between countries exist and deserve commitment to change. Updated epidemiological studies have also provided novel insights into global incidence variations. Introduction of biology-driven approaches to risk stratification and new drug development has been slower in WT than in other childhood tumours. Current prognostic classification for children with WT is grounded in clinical and pathological findings and in dedicated protocols on molecular alterations. Treatment includes conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy and surgery, and radiation therapy in some cases. Advanced imaging to capture tumour composition, optimizing irradiation techniques to reduce target volumes, and evaluation of newer surgical procedures are key areas for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Spreafico
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Paediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.
| | - Conrad V Fernandez
- Department of Paediatrics, IWK Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jesper Brok
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kayo Nakata
- Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - James I Geller
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Manfred Gessler
- Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Developmental Biochemistry, and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Mariana Maschietto
- Research Center, Boldrini Children's Hospital, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Sam Behjati
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Angela Polanco
- National Cancer Research Institute Children's Group Consumer Representative, London, UK
| | - Vivian Paintsil
- Department of Child Health, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Sandra Luna-Fineman
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Department of Paediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kathy Pritchard-Jones
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Tsuji Y, Yamamura T, Nagano C, Horinouchi T, Sakakibara N, Ishiko S, Aoto Y, Rossanti R, Okada E, Tanaka E, Tsugawa K, Okamoto T, Sawai T, Araki Y, Shima Y, Nakanishi K, Nagase H, Matsuo M, Iijima K, Nozu K. Systematic Review of Genotype-Phenotype Correlations in Frasier Syndrome. Kidney Int Rep 2021; 6:2585-2593. [PMID: 34622098 PMCID: PMC8484119 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2021.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Frasier syndrome (FS) is a rare inherited kidney disease caused by intron 9 splicing variants of WT1. For wild-type WT1, 2 active splice donor sites in intron 9 cause a mixture of 2 essential transcripts (with or without lysine-threonine-serine [+/KTS or −KTS]), and imbalance of the +KTS/−KTS ratio results in the development of FS. To date, 6 causative intron 9 variants have been identified; however, detailed transcript analysis has not yet been conducted and the genotype-phenotype correlation also remains to be elucidated. Methods We conducted an in vitro minigene splicing assay for 6 reported causative variants and in vivo RNA sequencing to determine the +KTS/−KTS ratio using patients’ samples. We also performed a systematic review of reported FS cases with a description of the renal phenotype. Results The in vitro assay revealed that although all mutant alleles produced −KTS transcripts only, the wild-type allele produced both +KTS and −KTS transcripts at a 1:1 ratio. In vivo RNA sequencing showed that patients’ samples with all heterozygous variants produced similar ratios of +KTS to −KTS (1:3.2−1:3.5) and wild-type kidney showed almost a 1:1 ratio (1:0.85). A systematic review of 126 cases clarified that the median age of developing ESKD was 16 years in all FS patients, and there were no statistically significant differences between the genotypes or sex chromosome karyotypes in terms of the renal survival period. Conclusion Our study suggested no differences in splicing pattern or renal survival period among reported intron 9 variants causative of FS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yurika Tsuji
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Yamamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - China Nagano
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tomoko Horinouchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Nana Sakakibara
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Shinya Ishiko
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yuya Aoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Rini Rossanti
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Eri Okada
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Eriko Tanaka
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Japan
| | - Koji Tsugawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Hirosaki University Hospital, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Takayuki Okamoto
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Meidicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Sawai
- Department of Pediatrics, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Araki
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido Medical Center, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yuko Shima
- Department of Pediatrics, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Koichi Nakanishi
- Department of Child Health and Welfare (Pediatrics), Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Nagase
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masafumi Matsuo
- Locomotion Biology Research Center, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kazumoto Iijima
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kandai Nozu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ferrari MTM, Watanabe A, da Silva TE, Gomes NL, Batista RL, Nishi MY, de Paula LCP, Costa EC, Costa EMF, Cukier P, Onuchic LF, Mendonca BB, Domenice S. WT1 Pathogenic Variants are Associated with a Broad Spectrum of Differences in Sex Development Phenotypes and Heterogeneous Progression of Renal Disease. Sex Dev 2021; 16:46-54. [PMID: 34392242 DOI: 10.1159/000517373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Wilms' tumor suppressor gene 1 (WT1) plays an essential role in urogenital and kidney development. Heterozygous germline pathogenic allelic variants of WT1 have been classically associated with Denys-Drash syndrome (DDS) and Frasier syndrome (FS). Usually, exonic pathogenic missense variants in the zinc finger region are the cause of DDS, whereas pathogenic variants affecting the canonic donor lysine-threonine-serine splice site in intron 9 cause FS. Phenotypic overlap between WT1 disorders has been frequently observed. New WT1 variant-associated phenotypes, such as 46,XX testicular/ovarian-testicular disorders of sex development (DSD) and primary ovarian insufficiency, have been reported. In this report, we describe the phenotypes and genotypes of 7 Brazilian patients with pathogenic WT1 variants. The molecular study involved Sanger sequencing and massively parallel targeted sequencing using a DSD-associated gene panel. Six patients (5 with a 46,XY karyotype and 1 with a 46,XX karyotype) were initially evaluated for atypical genitalia, and a 46,XY patient with normal female genitalia sought medical attention for primary amenorrhea. Germ cell tumors were identified in 2 patients, both with variants affecting alternative splicing of WT1 between exons 9 and 10. Two pathogenic missense WT1 variants were identified in two 46,XY individuals with Wilms' tumors; both patients were <1 year of age at the time of diagnosis. A novel WT1 variant, c.1453_1456 (p.Arg485Glyfs*14), was identified in a 46,XX patient with testicular DSD. Nephrotic proteinuria was diagnosed in all patients, including 3 who underwent renal transplantation after progressing to end-stage kidney disease. The expanding phenotypic spectrum associated with WT1 variants in XY and XX individuals confirms their pivotal role in gonadal and renal development as well as in tumorigenesis, emphasizing the clinical implications of these variants in genetic diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria T M Ferrari
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andreia Watanabe
- Unidade de Nefrologia Pediátrica do Instituto da Criança, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Disciplina de Nefrologia, LIM-29 - Laboratório de Nefrologia Celular, Genética e Molecular, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thatiane E da Silva
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nathalia L Gomes
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael L Batista
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mirian Y Nishi
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leila C P de Paula
- Unidade de Desordens do Desenvolvimento Sexual, UFRGS, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Eduardo C Costa
- Unidade de Desordens do Desenvolvimento Sexual, UFRGS, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Elaine M F Costa
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscilla Cukier
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz F Onuchic
- Unidade de Nefrologia Pediátrica do Instituto da Criança, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Disciplina de Nefrologia, LIM-29 - Laboratório de Nefrologia Celular, Genética e Molecular, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Berenice B Mendonca
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratório de Sequenciamento em Larga Escala (SELA), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sorahia Domenice
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Edwards A, Passoni NM, Collins R, Vidi S, Gattineni J, Baker LA. Papers presented at the fall 2020 Pediatric Urologic Oncology Work Group of the Societies of Pediatric Urology meetingNeonatal Serum Electrolyte and Proteinuria Screening on 46,XY Ambiguous Genitalia Patients May Allow Early Diagnosis of Denys-Drash Syndrome: A Case Report. Urology 2021; 153:312-316. [PMID: 33279611 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2020.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
A term infant with prenatally noted ambiguous genitalia and nonpalpable gonads presented with life-threatening hyponatremia, hypertension, acidosis, and anuric renal failure requiring peritoneal dialysis at age 3 months.Sequencing confirmed 46, XY Denys-Drash syndrome (DDS) due to heterozygous Wilms tumor-1 exon 8 mutation encoding p.His445Arg. Renal US identified bilateral multifocal renal masses at age 8 months. Bilateral retroperitoneal nephrectomies found bilateral nephroblastomatosis without Wilms' tumor avoiding chemotherapy, followed by bilateral laparoscopic orchiopexies. We suggest monthly screening of 46, XY DSD cases for DDS by evaluating for proteinuria and electrolyte disarray starting at diagnosis of DSD to prevent acute life-threatening renal failure presentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rebecca Collins
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX
| | - Smitha Vidi
- University of Texas Southwestern Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Nephrology, Dallas, TX
| | - Jyothsna Gattineni
- University of Texas Southwestern Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Nephrology, Dallas, TX
| | - Linda A Baker
- Department of Urology,University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Jiang W, Chen L. Alternative splicing: Human disease and quantitative analysis from high-throughput sequencing. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 19:183-195. [PMID: 33425250 PMCID: PMC7772363 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing contributes to the majority of protein diversity in higher eukaryotes by allowing one gene to generate multiple distinct protein isoforms. It adds another regulation layer of gene expression. Up to 95% of human multi-exon genes undergo alternative splicing to encode proteins with different functions. Moreover, around 15% of human hereditary diseases and cancers are associated with alternative splicing. Regulation of alternative splicing is attributed to a set of delicate machineries interacting with each other in aid of important biological processes such as cell development and differentiation. Given the importance of alternative splicing events, their accurate mapping and quantification are paramount for downstream analysis, especially for associating disease with alternative splicing. However, deriving accurate isoform expression from high-throughput RNA-seq data remains a challenging task. In this mini-review, we aim to illustrate I) mechanisms and regulation of alternative splicing, II) alternative splicing associated human disease, III) computational tools for the quantification of isoforms and alternative splicing from RNA-seq.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jiang
- Quantitative and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, 1050 Childs Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States
| | - Liang Chen
- Quantitative and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, 1050 Childs Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Generation of Monogenic Candidate Genes for Human Nephrotic Syndrome Using 3 Independent Approaches. Kidney Int Rep 2020; 6:460-471. [PMID: 33615071 PMCID: PMC7879125 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2020.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) is the second most common cause of chronic kidney disease during childhood. Identification of 63 monogenic human genes has delineated 12 distinct pathogenic pathways. Methods Here, we generated 2 independent sets of nephrotic syndrome (NS) candidate genes to augment the discovery of additional monogenic causes based on whole-exome sequencing (WES) data from 1382 families with NS. Results We first identified 63 known monogenic causes of NS in mice from public databases and scientific publications, and 12 of these genes overlapped with the 63 known human monogenic SRNS genes. Second, we used a set of 64 genes that are regulated by the transcription factor Wilms tumor 1 (WT1), which causes SRNS if mutated. Thirteen of these WT1-regulated genes overlapped with human or murine NS genes. Finally, we overlapped these lists of murine and WT1 candidate genes with our list of 120 candidate genes generated from WES in 1382 NS families, to identify novel candidate genes for monogenic human SRNS. Using this approach, we identified 7 overlapping genes, of which 3 genes were shared by all datasets, including SYNPO. We show that loss-of-function of SYNPO leads to decreased CDC42 activity and reduced podocyte migration rate, both of which are rescued by overexpression of wild-type complementary DNA (cDNA), but not by cDNA representing the patient mutation. Conclusion Thus, we identified 3 novel candidate genes for human SRNS using 3 independent, nonoverlapping hypotheses, and generated functional evidence for SYNPO as a novel potential monogenic cause of NS.
Collapse
|
28
|
Sun S, Xu L, Bi Y, Wang J, Zhang Z, Tang X, Cao Q, Zhai Y, Chen J, Fang X, Liu J, Fang Y, Xiang T, Qian Y, Wu B, Wang H, Zhou W, Shen J, Dong K, Liu X, Zheng B, Zhang A, Wang X, Wu Y, Ma D, Shen Q, Rao J, Xu H. Early diagnosis of WT1 nephropathy and follow up in a Chinese multicenter cohort. Eur J Med Genet 2020; 63:104047. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2020.104047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
29
|
Nishikawa T, Wojciak JM, Dyson HJ, Wright PE. RNA Binding by the KTS Splice Variants of Wilms' Tumor Suppressor Protein WT1. Biochemistry 2020; 59:3889-3901. [PMID: 32955251 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Wilms' tumor suppressor protein WT1 regulates the expression of multiple genes through binding of the Cys2-His2 zinc finger domain to promoter sites. WT1 has also been proposed to be involved in post-transcriptional regulation, by binding to RNA using the same set of zinc fingers. WT1 has two major splice variants, where the Lys-Thr-Ser (KTS) tripeptide is inserted into the linker between the third and fourth zinc fingers. To obtain insights into the mechanism by which the different WT1 splice variants recognize both DNA and RNA, we have determined the solution structure of the WT1 (-KTS) zinc finger domain in complex with a 29mer stem-loop RNA. Zinc fingers 1-3 bind in a widened major groove favored by the presence of a bulge nucleotide in the double-stranded helical stem. Fingers 2 and 3 make specific contacts with the nucleobases in a conserved AUGG sequence in the helical stem. Nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shift mapping and relaxation analysis show that fingers 1-3 of the two splice variants (-KTS and +KTS) of WT1 form similar complexes with RNA. Finger 4 of the -KTS isoform interacts weakly with the RNA loop, an interaction that is abrogated in the +KTS isoform, and both isoforms bind with similar affinity to the RNA. In contrast, finger 4 is required for high-affinity binding to DNA and insertion of KTS into the linker of fingers 3 and 4 abrogates DNA binding. While finger 1 is required for RNA binding, it is dispensable for binding to consensus DNA sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tadateru Nishikawa
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology and Skaggs Institute of Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Jonathan M Wojciak
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology and Skaggs Institute of Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - H Jane Dyson
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology and Skaggs Institute of Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Peter E Wright
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology and Skaggs Institute of Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Matsuoka D, Noda S, Kamiya M, Hidaka Y, Shimojo H, Yamada Y, Miyamoto T, Nozu K, Iijima K, Tsukaguchi H. Immune-complex glomerulonephritis with a membranoproliferative pattern in Frasier syndrome: a case report and review of the literature. BMC Nephrol 2020; 21:362. [PMID: 32838737 PMCID: PMC7446187 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-020-02007-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mutations in the Wilms tumor 1 gene cause a spectrum of podocytopathy ranging from diffuse mesangial sclerosis to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. In a considerable fraction of patients with Wilms tumor 1 mutations, the distinctive histology of immune-complex-type glomerulonephritis has been reported. However, the clinical relevance and etiologic mechanisms remain unknown. Case presentation A 5-year-old child presented with steroid-resistant nephrotic range proteinuria. Initial renal biopsy revealed predominant diffuse mesangial proliferation with a double-contour and coexisting milder changes of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Immunofluorescence and electron microscopy revealed a full-house-pattern deposition of immune complexes in the subendothelial and paramesangial areas. Serial biopsies at 6 and 8 years of age revealed that more remarkable changes of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis had developed on top of the initial proliferative glomerulonephritis. Identification of a de novo Wilms tumor 1 splice donor-site mutation in intron 9 (NM_024426.6:c.1447 + 4C > T) and 46,XY-gonadal dysgenesis led to the diagnosis of Frasier syndrome. Conclusions Our findings, together with those of others, point to the importance of heterogeneity in clinicopathological phenotypes caused by Wilms tumor 1 mutations and suggest that immune-complex-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulopathy should be considered as a histological variant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Matsuoka
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Noda
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Nagano Red Cross Hospital, Nagano, Japan
| | - Motoko Kamiya
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.,Center for Medical Genetics, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Hidaka
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | | | - Yasushi Yamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Miyamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Kandai Nozu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kazumoto Iijima
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Tsukaguchi
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi Hirakata, Osaka, 573-1191, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Chang LW, Tseng IC, Wang LH, Sun YH. Isoform-specific functions of an evolutionarily conserved 3 bp micro-exon alternatively spliced from another exon in Drosophila homothorax gene. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12783. [PMID: 32732884 PMCID: PMC7392893 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69644-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Micro-exons are exons of very small size (usually 3–30 nts). Some micro-exons are alternatively spliced. Their functions, regulation and evolution are largely unknown. Here, we present an example of an alternatively spliced 3 bp micro-exon (micro-Ex8) in the homothorax (hth) gene in Drosophila. Hth is involved in many developmental processes. It contains a MH domain and a TALE-class homeodomain (HD). It binds to another homeodomain Exd via its MH domain to promote the nuclear import of the Hth-Exd complex and serve as a cofactor for Hox proteins. The MH and HD domains in Hth as well as the HTh-Exd interaction are highly conserved in evolution. The alternatively spliced micro-exon lies between the exons encoding the MH and HD domains. We provide clear proof that the micro-Ex8 is produced by alternative splicing from a 48 bp full-length exon 8 (FL-Ex8) and the micro-Ex8 is the first three nt is FL-Ex8. We found that the micro-Ex8 is the ancient form and the 3 + 48 organization of alternatively spliced overlapping exons only emerged in the Schizophora group of Diptera and is absolutely conserved in this group. We then used several strategies to test the in vivo function of the two types of isoforms and found that the micro-Ex8 and FL-Ex8 isoforms have largely overlapping functions but also have non-redundant functions that are tissue-specific, which supports their strong evolutionary conservation. Since the different combinations of protein interaction of Hth with Exd and/or Hox can have different DNA target specificity, our finding of alternatively spliced isoforms adds to the spectrum of structural and functional diversity under developmental regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Wen Chang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - I-Chieh Tseng
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.,Institute of Genomic Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.,Department of Life Science, Chinese Culture University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Lan-Hsin Wang
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Y Henry Sun
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC. .,Institute of Genomic Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Münch J, Kirschner KM, Schlee H, Kraus C, Schönauer R, Jin W, Le Duc D, Scholz H, Halbritter J. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in absence of renal cyst formation illustrates genetic interaction between WT1 and PKD1. J Med Genet 2020; 58:jmedgenet-2019-106633. [PMID: 32381729 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2019-106633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), caused by pathogenic variants of either PKD1 or PKD2, is characterised by wide interfamilial and intrafamilial phenotypic variability. This study aimed to determine the molecular basis of marked clinical variability in ADPKD family members and sought to analyse whether alterations of WT1 (Wilms tumour 1), encoding a regulator of gene expression, may have an impact on renal cyst formation. METHODS ADPKD family members underwent clinical and molecular evaluation. Functionally, Pkd1 mRNA and protein expression upon Wt1 knockdown was evaluated in mouse embryonic kidneys and mesonephric M15 cells. RESULTS By renal gene panel analysis, we identified two pathogenic variants in an individual with maternal history of ADPKD, however, without cystic kidneys but polycystic liver disease: a known PKD1 missense variant (c.8311G>A, p.Glu2771Lys) and a known de novo WT1 splice site variant (c.1432+4C>T). The latter was previously associated with imbalanced +/-KTS isoform ratio of WT1. In ex vivo organ cultures from mouse embryonic kidneys, Wt1 knockdown resulted in decreased Pkd1 expression on mRNA and protein level. CONCLUSION While the role of WT1 in glomerulopathies has been well established, this report by illustrating genetic interaction with PKD1 proposes WT1 as potential modifier in ADPKD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Münch
- Medical Department III - Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Karin M Kirschner
- Institute of Vegetative Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hendrik Schlee
- Dialysis Weissenfels, Nephrology Burgenlandkreis, Weissenfels, Germany
| | - Cornelia Kraus
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ria Schönauer
- Medical Department III - Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Wenjun Jin
- Medical Department III - Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Diana Le Duc
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Holger Scholz
- Institute of Vegetative Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Halbritter
- Medical Department III - Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Gribouval O, Boyer O, Knebelmann B, Karras A, Dantal J, Fourrage C, Alibeu O, Hogan J, Dossier C, Tête MJ, Antignac C, Servais A. APOL1 risk genotype in European steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome and/or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis patients of different African ancestries. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2020; 34:1885-1893. [PMID: 29992269 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfy176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) risk variants are strongly associated with sporadic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in populations with African ancestry. We determined the frequency of G1/G2 variants in steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS)/FSGS patients with African or French West Indies ancestry in France and its relationships with other SRNS genes. METHODS In a cohort of 152 patients (139 families), the APOL1 risk variants were genotyped by direct Sanger sequencing and pathogenic mutations were screened by next-generation sequencing with a panel including 35 SRNS genes. RESULTS The two risk allele [high-risk (HR)] genotypes were found in 43.1% (66/152) of subjects compared with 18.9% (106/562) in a control population (P < 0.0001): 33 patients homozygous for APOL1 G1 alleles, 4 homozygous for G2 and 29 compound heterozygous for G1 and G2. Compared with patients in the low-risk (LR) group, patients in the HR group were more likely to originate from the French West Indies than from Africa [45/66 (68.2%) versus 30/86 (34.9%); P < 0.0001]. There were more familial cases in the HR group [27 (41.5%) versus 8 (11.4%); P < 0.0001]. However, causative mutations in monogenic SRNS genes were found in only 1 patient in the HR group compared with 16 patients (14 families) in the LR group (P = 0.0006). At diagnosis, patients in the HR group without other mutations were more often adults [35 (53.8%) versus 19 (27.1%); P = 0.003] and had a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (78.9 versus 98.8 mL/min/1.73 m2; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS The HR genotype is frequent in FSGS patients with African ancestry in our cohort, especially in those originating from the West Indies, and confer a poor renal prognosis. It is usually not associated with other causative mutations in monogenic SRNS genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Gribouval
- Inserm U1163, Institut Imagine, University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Olivia Boyer
- Inserm U1163, Institut Imagine, University Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Pediatric Nephrology Department, Necker Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Knebelmann
- Nephrology and Transplantation Department, Necker Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Karras
- Nephrology Department, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Jacques Dantal
- Nephrology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Cécile Fourrage
- Bioinformatic Platform, Paris Descartes Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Alibeu
- Genomic Platform, Inserm UMR1163, Paris Descartes Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Julien Hogan
- Pediatric Nephrology Department, Robert Debré Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Claire Dossier
- Pediatric Nephrology Department, Robert Debré Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marie Josèphe Tête
- Inserm U1163, Institut Imagine, University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Corinne Antignac
- Inserm U1163, Institut Imagine, University Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Genetic Department, Necker Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Aude Servais
- Inserm U1163, Institut Imagine, University Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Nephrology and Transplantation Department, Necker Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Hamatani H, Sakairi T, Ikeuchi H, Kaneko Y, Maeshima A, Nojima Y, Hiromura K. TGF‐β1 alters DNA methylation levels in promoter and enhancer regions of the
WT1
gene in human podocytes. Nephrology (Carlton) 2019; 24:575-584. [DOI: 10.1111/nep.13411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Hamatani
- Department of Nephrology and RheumatologyGunma University Graduate School of Medicine Maebashi Japan
| | - Toru Sakairi
- Department of Nephrology and RheumatologyGunma University Graduate School of Medicine Maebashi Japan
| | - Hidekazu Ikeuchi
- Department of Nephrology and RheumatologyGunma University Graduate School of Medicine Maebashi Japan
| | - Yoriaki Kaneko
- Department of Nephrology and RheumatologyGunma University Graduate School of Medicine Maebashi Japan
| | - Akito Maeshima
- Department of Nephrology and RheumatologyGunma University Graduate School of Medicine Maebashi Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Nojima
- Department of Rheumatology and NephrologyJapan Red Cross Maebashi Hospital Maebashi Japan
| | - Keiju Hiromura
- Department of Nephrology and RheumatologyGunma University Graduate School of Medicine Maebashi Japan
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Voigt EA, Haralambieva IH, Larrabee BL, Kennedy RB, Ovsyannikova IG, Schaid DJ, Poland GA. Polymorphisms in the Wilms Tumor Gene Are Associated With Interindividual Variations in Rubella Virus-Specific Cellular Immunity After Measles-Mumps-Rubella II Vaccination. J Infect Dis 2019; 217:560-566. [PMID: 29253144 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rubella vaccination induces widely variable immune responses in vaccine recipients. While rubella vaccination is effective at inducing immunity to rubella infection in most subjects, up to 5% of individuals do not achieve or maintain long-term protective immunity. To expand upon our previous work identifying genetic polymorphisms that are associated with these interindividual differences in humoral immunity to rubella virus, we performed a genome-wide association study in a large cohort of 1843 subjects to discover single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with rubella virus-specific cellular immune responses. We identified SNPs in the Wilms tumor protein gene (WT1) that were significantly associated (P < 5 × 10-8) with interindividual variations in rubella-specific interleukin 6 secretion from subjects' peripheral blood mononuclear cells postvaccination. No SNPs were found to be significantly associated with variations in rubella-specific interferon-γ secretion. Our findings demonstrate that genetic polymorphisms in the WT1 gene in subjects of European ancestry are associated with interindividual differences in rubella virus-specific cellular immunity after measles-mumps-rubella II vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Voigt
- Mayo Clinic Vaccine Research Group, Mayo Clinic, Rochester
| | | | - Beth L Larrabee
- Mayo Clinic Division of Biostatistics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | | | - Daniel J Schaid
- Mayo Clinic Division of Biostatistics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Guo Y, Pace J, Li Z, Ma'ayan A, Wang Z, Revelo MP, Chen E, Gu X, Attalah A, Yang Y, Estrada C, Yang VW, He JC, Mallipattu SK. Podocyte-Specific Induction of Krüppel-Like Factor 15 Restores Differentiation Markers and Attenuates Kidney Injury in Proteinuric Kidney Disease. J Am Soc Nephrol 2018; 29:2529-2545. [PMID: 30143559 PMCID: PMC6171275 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2018030324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Podocyte injury is the hallmark of proteinuric kidney diseases, such as FSGS and minimal change disease, and destabilization of the podocyte's actin cytoskeleton contributes to podocyte dysfunction in many of these conditions. Although agents, such as glucocorticoids and cyclosporin, stabilize the actin cytoskeleton, systemic toxicity hinders chronic use. We previously showed that loss of the kidney-enriched zinc finger transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 15 (KLF15) increases susceptibility to proteinuric kidney disease and attenuates the salutary effects of retinoic acid and glucocorticoids in the podocyte. METHODS We induced podocyte-specific KLF15 in two proteinuric murine models, HIV-1 transgenic (Tg26) mice and adriamycin (ADR)-induced nephropathy, and used RNA sequencing of isolated glomeruli and subsequent enrichment analysis to investigate pathways mediated by podocyte-specific KLF15 in Tg26 mice. We also explored in cultured human podocytes the potential mediating role of Wilms Tumor 1 (WT1), a transcription factor critical for podocyte differentiation. RESULTS In Tg26 mice, inducing podocyte-specific KLF15 attenuated podocyte injury, glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and inflammation, while improving renal function and overall survival; it also attenuated podocyte injury in ADR-treated mice. Enrichment analysis of RNA sequencing from the Tg26 mouse model shows that KLF15 induction activates pathways involved in stabilization of actin cytoskeleton, focal adhesion, and podocyte differentiation. Transcription factor enrichment analysis, with further experimental validation, suggests that KLF15 activity is in part mediated by WT1. CONCLUSIONS Inducing podocyte-specific KLF15 attenuates kidney injury by directly and indirectly upregulating genes critical for podocyte differentiation, suggesting that KLF15 induction might be a potential strategy for treating proteinuric kidney disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zhengzhe Li
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine and
| | - Avi Ma'ayan
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Zichen Wang
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Monica P Revelo
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Edward Chen
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | | | | | | | | | - Vincent W Yang
- Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - John C He
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine and.,Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Renal Section, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, New York; and
| | - Sandeep K Mallipattu
- Divisions of Nephrology and .,Renal Section, Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Yang Y, Workman S, Wilson M. The molecular pathways underlying early gonadal development. J Mol Endocrinol 2018; 62:JME-17-0314. [PMID: 30042122 DOI: 10.1530/jme-17-0314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The body of knowledge surrounding reproductive development spans the fields of genetics, anatomy, physiology and biomedicine, to build a comprehensive understanding of the later stages of reproductive development in humans and animal models. Despite this, there remains much to learn about the bi-potential progenitor structure that the ovary and testis arise from, known as the genital ridge (GR). This tissue forms relatively late in embryonic development and has the potential to form either the ovary or testis, which in turn produce hormones required for development of the rest of the reproductive tract. It is imperative that we understand the genetic networks underpinning GR development if we are to begin to understand abnormalities in the adult. This is particularly relevant in the contexts of disorders of sex development (DSDs) and infertility, two conditions that many individuals struggle with worldwide, with often no answers as to their aetiology. Here, we review what is known about the genetics of GR development. Investigating the genetic networks required for GR formation will not only contribute to our understanding of the genetic regulation of reproductive development, it may in turn open new avenues of investigation into reproductive abnormalities and later fertility issues in the adult.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yisheng Yang
- Y Yang, Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Megan Wilson
- M Wilson , Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Asfahani RI, Tahoun MM, Miller-Hodges EV, Bellerby J, Virasami AK, Sampson RD, Moulding D, Sebire NJ, Hohenstein P, Scambler PJ, Waters AM. Activation of podocyte Notch mediates early Wt1 glomerulopathy. Kidney Int 2018; 93:903-920. [PMID: 29398135 PMCID: PMC6169130 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2017.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The Wilms' tumor suppressor gene, WT1, encodes a zinc finger protein that regulates podocyte development and is highly expressed in mature podocytes. Mutations in the WT1 gene are associated with the development of renal failure due to the formation of scar tissue within glomeruli, the mechanisms of which are poorly understood. Here, we used a tamoxifen-based CRE-LoxP system to induce deletion of Wt1 in adult mice to investigate the mechanisms underlying evolution of glomerulosclerosis. Podocyte apoptosis was evident as early as the fourth day post-induction and increased during disease progression, supporting a role for Wt1 in mature podocyte survival. Podocyte Notch activation was evident at disease onset with upregulation of Notch1 and its transcriptional targets, including Nrarp. There was repression of podocyte FoxC2 and upregulation of Hey2 supporting a role for a Wt1/FoxC2/Notch transcriptional network in mature podocyte injury. The expression of cleaved Notch1 and HES1 proteins in podocytes of mutant mice was confirmed in early disease. Furthermore, induction of podocyte HES1 expression was associated with upregulation of genes implicated in epithelial mesenchymal transition, thereby suggesting that HES1 mediates podocyte EMT. Lastly, early pharmacological inhibition of Notch signaling ameliorated glomerular scarring and albuminuria. Thus, loss of Wt1 in mature podocytes modulates podocyte Notch activation, which could mediate early events in WT1-related glomerulosclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rowan I Asfahani
- Programme of Developmental Biology of Birth Defects, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College of London, London, UK
| | - Mona M Tahoun
- Programme of Developmental Biology of Birth Defects, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College of London, London, UK; Clinical and Chemical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Eve V Miller-Hodges
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Jack Bellerby
- Programme of Developmental Biology of Birth Defects, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College of London, London, UK
| | - Alex K Virasami
- Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Robert D Sampson
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College of London, London, UK
| | - Dale Moulding
- Programme of Developmental Biology of Birth Defects, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College of London, London, UK
| | - Neil J Sebire
- Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Peter J Scambler
- Programme of Developmental Biology of Birth Defects, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College of London, London, UK
| | - Aoife M Waters
- Programme of Developmental Biology of Birth Defects, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College of London, London, UK; Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Ullmark T, Montano G, Gullberg U. DNA and RNA binding by the Wilms' tumour gene 1 (WT1) protein +KTS and −KTS isoforms-From initial observations to recent global genomic analyses. Eur J Haematol 2018; 100:229-240. [DOI: 10.1111/ejh.13010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tove Ullmark
- Department of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine; Lund University; Lund Sweden
| | - Giorgia Montano
- Department of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine; Lund University; Lund Sweden
| | - Urban Gullberg
- Department of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine; Lund University; Lund Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Morand GB, Lambercy K, Guilcher P, Sandu KB. Congenital pharyngeal webs: Treatment of a rare clinical entity by endoscopic CO 2 laser approach. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2017; 102:123-126. [PMID: 29106858 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Oesophageal inlet stenosis can promote dysphagia and aspiration. We report the cases of syndromic children with congenital pharyngeal webs successfully treated with endoscopic CO2 laser. OBSERVATIONS Pharyngeal webs were excised with CO2 laser (Ultrapulse mode) and resurfaced using mucosal advancement flaps to avoid restenosis and/or formation of secondary synechia. This led to a significant enlargement of the oesophageal inlet, which was documented immediately postoperatively and the clinical improvement of dysphagia and decreased aspiration persisted at distant follow-up. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE Pharyngeal webs are congenital anomalies that can be safely and effectively corrected with endoscopic treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grégoire B Morand
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Karma Lambercy
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Guilcher
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kishore B Sandu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Kirschner KM, Sciesielski LK, Krueger K, Scholz H. Wilms tumor protein-dependent transcription of VEGF receptor 2 and hypoxia regulate expression of the testis-promoting gene Sox9 in murine embryonic gonads. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:20281-20291. [PMID: 29042436 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.816751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Wilms tumor protein 1 (WT1) has been implicated in the control of several genes in sexual development, but its function in gonad formation is still unclear. Here, we report that WT1 stimulates expression of Kdr, the gene encoding VEGF receptor 2, in murine embryonic gonads. We found that WT1 and KDR are co-expressed in Sertoli cells of the testes and somatic cells of embryonic ovaries. Vivo-morpholino-mediated WT1 knockdown decreased Kdr transcripts in cultured embryonic gonads at multiple developmental stages. Furthermore, WT1 bound to the Kdr promoter in the chromatin of embryonic testes and ovaries. Forced expression of the WT1(-KTS) isoform, which functions as a transcription factor, increased KDR mRNA levels, whereas the WT1(+KTS) isoform, which acts presumably on the post-transcriptional level, did not. ChIP indicated that WT1(-KTS), but not WT1(+KTS), binds to the KDR promoter. Treatment with the KDR tyrosine kinase inhibitor SU1498 or the KDR ligand VEGFA revealed that KDR signaling represses the testis-promoting gene Sox9 in embryonic XX gonads. WT1 knockdown abrogated the stimulatory effect of SU1498-mediated KDR inhibition on Sox9 expression. Exposure to 1% O2 to mimic the low-oxygen conditions in the embryo increased Vegfa expression but did not affect Sox9 mRNA levels in gonadal explants. However, incubation in 1% O2 in the presence of SU1498 significantly reduced Sox9 transcripts in cultured testes and increased Sox9 levels in ovaries. These findings demonstrate that both the local oxygen environment and WT1, which enhances KDR expression, contribute to sex-specific Sox9 expression in developing murine gonads.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lina K Sciesielski
- Klinik für Neonatologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Holger Scholz
- Institut für Vegetative Physiologie, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Rampal R, Figueroa ME. Wilms tumor 1 mutations in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia. Haematologica 2017; 101:672-9. [PMID: 27252512 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2015.141796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) has long been implicated in acute myeloid leukemia. It has been described to be both overexpressed and mutated in different forms of acute myeloid leukemia, and overexpression has been reported to play a prognostic role in this disease. However, the precise mechanism through which WT1 may play a role in leukemogenesis has remained elusive. In recent years, new evidence has emerged that points towards a novel role of WT1 mutations in the deregulation of epigenetic programs in leukemic cells through its interaction with TET proteins. Herein we review the current status of the field and its therapeutic and prognostic implications in acute myeloid leukemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raajit Rampal
- Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria E Figueroa
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Kumar AS, Srilakshmi R, Karthickeyan S, Balakrishnan K, Padmaraj R, Senguttuvan P. Wilms' tumour 1 gene mutations in south Indian children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. Indian J Med Res 2017; 144:276-280. [PMID: 27934809 PMCID: PMC5206881 DOI: 10.4103/0971-5916.195044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & objectives: Clinically, nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a diverse group of symptoms; about 20 per cent of NS cases are resistant to steroid treatment, and within ten years they progress to end-stage renal disease. The present study was undertaken to identify the mutations of Wilms’ tumour 1 (WT1) gene in steroid-resistant NS (SRNS) children. Methods: A total of 173 children with SRNS and 100 children in the control group were enrolled in the study. DNA extraction was done, screened for WT1 (exons 8 and 9) gene amplified by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. Karyotype analyses were done for WT1 mutation cases. Results: WT1 mutations were found in three of 173 SRNS cases (2 girls, 1 boy). All of them had intron 9 (IVS 9 + 4 C>T, 2; IVS + 5 G>A, 1) mutation. Of these three cases, one had familial and another two had sporadic history. Renal histology analysis showed two cases with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and they had external female genitalia but 46, XY karyotype. Both of them had streak gonads. Of the three cases, one expired. Interpretation & conclusions: The findings of the present study indicate that all females with SRNS-FSGS should be screened for WT1 gene mutation to diagnose whether they have FS for possible gonadectomy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aravind Selvin Kumar
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children, Madras Medical College, Chennai, India
| | - R Srilakshmi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Guindy, India
| | - Smk Karthickeyan
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai, India
| | - K Balakrishnan
- Department of Immunology, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, India
| | - R Padmaraj
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children, Madras Medical College, Chennai, India
| | - Prabha Senguttuvan
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children, Madras Medical College, Chennai, India
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Boyer O, Dorval G, Servais A. Hereditary Podocytopathies in Adults: The Next Generation. KIDNEY DISEASES 2017; 3:50-56. [PMID: 28868292 DOI: 10.1159/000477243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome may have two underlying mechanisms: either (1) an alteration of the immune system resulting in the production of a putative circulating factor of glomerular permeability; or (2) mutations in the structural genes of the glomerular filtration barrier in which case patients are typically multidrug resistant and do not recur after transplantation. The latter forms have been recently recognized as "hereditary podocytopathies." In the past few years, positional cloning approaches that allow the identification of gene mutations underlying diseases whose pathophysiology is unknown and animal models have helped decipher the pathophysiological mechanisms of the glomerular filtration process. Recently, the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques has greatly facilitated the identification of numerous novel causative genes in hereditary podocytopathies. Moreover, it has revealed mutations in unexpected genes and has widened the phenotypes associated with podocyte gene mutations. The list of genes mutated in hereditary podocytopathies is constantly evolving and consists to date of more than 40 genes. However, the most recently identified genes are extremely rarely mutated and may concern only a couple of families worldwide. These discoveries provided crucial insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms linking podocyte proteins to kidney function. This review will focus on monogenic podocytopathies affecting adult patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Boyer
- Néphrologie pédiatrique, Centre de référence MARHEA, Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades, APHP, Paris, France.,Inserm U1163, Institut Imagine, Université Paris-Descartes Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Dorval
- Néphrologie pédiatrique, Centre de référence MARHEA, Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades, APHP, Paris, France.,Inserm U1163, Institut Imagine, Université Paris-Descartes Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Aude Servais
- Néphrologie, Centre de référence MARHEA, Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades, APHP, Paris, France.,Inserm U1163, Institut Imagine, Université Paris-Descartes Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
WT1 Alternative Splicing: Role of Its Isoforms in Neuroblastoma. J Mol Neurosci 2017; 62:131-141. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-017-0930-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
46
|
CRISPR/Cas9-induced disruption of wt1a and wt1b reveals their different roles in kidney and gonad development in Nile tilapia. Dev Biol 2017; 428:63-73. [PMID: 28527702 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Wilms tumor 1 (Wt1) is an essential factor for urogenital system development. Teleosts have two wt1s, named as wt1a and wt1b. In this study, the expression pattern of wt1a and wt1b and their functions on the urogenital system were analyzed by in situ hybridization and CRISPR/Cas9. wt1a was found to be expressed in the glomerulus at 3 dah (days after hatching), earlier than wt1b. wt1a and wt1b were simultaneously expressed in the somatic cells of gonads at 3 dah, while their cell locations were similar, but not identical in adult fish gonads. The wt1a-/- fish displayed pericardial edema and yolk sac edema at 3 dah and subsequently expanded as general body edema at 6 dah, failed to develop glomerulus and died during 6-10 dah, whereas the wt1b-/- fish were phenotypically normal. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that the germ cell marker Vasa was expressed, while somatic cell genes Cyp19a1a, Amh, Gsdf and Dmrt1 were not expressed in the wt1a-/- gonads at 6 dah. The sex phenotypes of XX and XY in the wt1b-/- fish were not affected. Real-time PCR revealed that the ovarian cyp19a1a expression was up-regulated in XX wt1b-/- fish, compared with XX control at 90 dah. Serum estradiol-17β level was also up-regulated in XX wt1b-/- fish at 90 and 180 dah. The XY wt1b-/- fish had normal serum estradiol-17β and 11-ketotestosterone levels and remained fertile. These results suggest that Wt1a and Wt1b have different functions in the kidneys and gonads of tilapia.
Collapse
|
47
|
Dysregulation of WTI (-KTS) is Associated with the Kidney-Specific Effects of the LMX1B R246Q Mutation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:39933. [PMID: 28059119 PMCID: PMC5216339 DOI: 10.1038/srep39933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the LIM homeobox transcription factor 1-beta (LMX1B) are a cause of nail patellar syndrome, a condition characterized by skeletal changes, glaucoma and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Recently, a missense mutation (R246Q) in LMX1B was reported as a cause of glomerular pathologies without extra-renal manifestations, otherwise known as nail patella-like renal disease (NPLRD). We have identified two additional NPLRD families with the R246Q mutation, though the mechanisms by which LMX1BR246Q causes a renal-specific phenotype is unknown. In this study, using human podocyte cell lines overexpressing either myc-LMX1BWT or myc-LMX1BR246Q, we observed dominant negative and haploinsufficiency effects of the mutation on the expression of podocyte genes such as NPHS1, GLEPP1, and WT1. Specifically, we observed a novel LMX1BR246Q-mediated downregulation of WT1(−KTS) isoforms in podocytes. In conclusion, we have shown that the renal-specific phenotype associated with the LMX1BR246Q mutation may be due to a dominant negative effect on WT1(−KTS) isoforms that may cause a disruption of the WT1 (−KTS):(+KTS) isoform ratio and a decrease in the expression of podocyte genes. Full delineation of the LMX1B gene regulon is needed to define its role in maintenance of glomerular filtration barrier integrity.
Collapse
|
48
|
Hersmus R, van Bever Y, Wolffenbuttel KP, Biermann K, Cools M, Looijenga LHJ. The biology of germ cell tumors in disorders of sex development. Clin Genet 2016; 91:292-301. [PMID: 27716895 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Development of a malignant germ cell tumor, i.e., germ cell cancer (GCC) in individuals with disorders of sex development (DSD) depends on a number of (epi-)genetic factors related to early gonadal- and germ cell development, possibly related to genetic susceptibility. Fetal development of germ cells is orchestrated by strict processes involving specification, migration and the development of a proper gonadal niche. In this review we will discuss the early (epi-)genetic events in normal and aberrant germ cell and gonadal development. Focus will be on the formation of the precursor lesions of GCC in individuals who have DSD. In our view, expression of the different embryonic markers in, and epigenetic profile of the precursor lesions reflects the developmental stage in which these cells are blocked in their maturation. Therefore, these are not a primary pathogenetic driving force. Progression later in life towards a full blown cancer likely depends on additional factors such as a changed endocrine environment in a susceptible individual. Genetic susceptibility is, as evidenced by the presence of specific risk genetic variants (SNPs) in patients with a testicular GCC, related to genes involved in early germ cell and gonadal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Remko Hersmus
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yolande van Bever
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Katja P Wolffenbuttel
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Katharina Biermann
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martine Cools
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Hashimoto H, Zhang X, Zheng Y, Wilson GG, Cheng X. Denys-Drash syndrome associated WT1 glutamine 369 mutants have altered sequence-preferences and altered responses to epigenetic modifications. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:10165-10176. [PMID: 27596598 PMCID: PMC5137435 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in human zinc-finger transcription factor WT1 result in abnormal development of the kidneys and genitalia and an array of pediatric problems including nephropathy, blastoma, gonadal dysgenesis and genital discordance. Several overlapping phenotypes are associated with WT1 mutations, including Wilms tumors, Denys-Drash syndrome (DDS), Frasier syndrome (FS) and WAGR syndrome (Wilms tumor, aniridia, genitourinary malformations, and mental retardation). These conditions vary in severity from individual to individual; they can be fatal in early childhood, or relatively benign into adulthood. DDS mutations cluster predominantly in zinc fingers (ZF) 2 and 3 at the C-terminus of WT1, which together with ZF4 determine the sequence-specificity of DNA binding. We examined three DDS associated mutations in ZF2 of human WT1 where the normal glutamine at position 369 is replaced by arginine (Q369R), lysine (Q369K) or histidine (Q369H). These mutations alter the sequence-specificity of ZF2, we find, changing its affinity for certain bases and certain epigenetic forms of cytosine. X-ray crystallography of the DNA binding domains of normal WT1, Q369R and Q369H in complex with preferred sequences revealed the molecular interactions responsible for these affinity changes. DDS is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, implying a gain of function by mutant WT1 proteins. This gain, we speculate, might derive from the ability of the mutant proteins to sequester WT1 into unproductive oligomers, or to erroneously bind to variant target sequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hideharu Hashimoto
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Yu Zheng
- RGENE, Inc., 953 Indiana Street, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA
| | | | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ranganathan S. Pathology of Podocytopathies Causing Nephrotic Syndrome in Children. Front Pediatr 2016; 4:32. [PMID: 27066465 PMCID: PMC4814732 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2016.00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Nephrotic syndrome (NS) in children includes a diverse group of diseases that range from genetic diseases without any immunological defects to causes that are primarily due to immunological effects. Recent advances in molecular and genomic studies have resulted in a plethora of genetic defects that have been localized to the podocyte, the basic structure that is instrumental in normal filtration process. Although the disease can manifest from birth and into adulthood, the primary focus of this review would be to describe the novel genes and pathology of primary podocyte defects that cause NS in children. This review will restrict itself to the pathology of congenital NS, minimal change disease (MCD), and its variants and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The two major types of congenital NS are Finnish type characterized by dilated sausage shaped tubules morphologically and diffuse mesangial sclerosis characterized by glomerulosclerosis. MCD has usually normal appearing biopsy features on light microscopy and needs electron microscopy for diagnosis, whereas FSGS in contrast has classic segmental sclerosing lesions identified in different portions of the glomeruli and tubular atrophy. This review summarizes the pathological characteristics of these conditions and also delves into the various genetic defects that have been described as the cause of these primary podocytopathies. Other secondary causes of NS in children, such as membranoproliferative and membranous glomerulonephritis, will not be covered in this review.
Collapse
|